GORDON STRACHAN'S arrival at Parkhead has hardly signalled a new
wave of optimism in the green half of Glasgow. A summer of limited
transfer activity which has seen the arrivals of Paul Telfer, Mo
Camara and Jeremie Aliadiere is hardly likely to have the giants of
Europe quaking in their boots, let alone Scottish champions
Rangers, particularly given that the appointment of Strachan was
not met with universal approval amongst Celtic fans.
Inexorably linked with Alex Ferguson's Aberdeen side who shattered
the Old Firm duopoly in the 1980s, wee Gordie has not been welcomed
like a long lost brother. Whilst in replacing Martin O'Neill,
Strachan must follow in the footsteps of a legend whose enthusiasm
and popularity often meant the Bhoys faithful would overlook his
side's misgivings.
The diminutive former Southampton boss is certainly capable of
matching O'Neill in terms of passion and has the same ability to
provide a witty post match sound bite, but ultimately it will
results that he is judged by. A fast start is a must, especially as
he and his new troops must negotiate the qualification stages of
the Champions League as wellas face Rangers, Aberdeen and Hibs, all
within the opening month of the new season.
Luckily for Strachan, his first hurdle should not prove overly
demanding, Artmedia of Slovakia have next to no European pedigree
and only just edged out little known andbarely pronounceable Kairat
Almaty in the previous round.
Strachan is close to agreeing a deal to bring Japanese forward
Shunsuke Nakamura to Scotland, but he will not be eligible for the
game in midweek. Striking responsibilities will therefore fall at
the feet of young Frenchman Aliadiere. His talent has never been in
question, but a spate of serious knee problems have curtailed his
progress at Highbury. Should his knees withstand the rigours of the
SPL, he is capable of ensuring Strachan's honeymoonperiod lasts at
least until the end of August.